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Friday, June 29, 2012

With over fifty different acts taking to the stage at Canada Dayyc the unbelievable talent in our city will shine for all to see. From spoken word, beatboxing, rock, funk, hip hop, soul, line dancing, and storytelling, we’re sure the stages will keep you and your family entertained.

Prince’s Island Park will be host to three stages – Enmax Main Stage, Dominion Stage and the Family Stage. Opening ceremonies at 11:30 am will feature Calgary’s inaugural Poet Laureate Kris Demeanor, a fixture of Calgary’s spoken word, theatre and music communities. A full day of music will end off with headliner act Dojo Workhourse, a native Calgarian with a range of contemporary pop rock and blue-eyed soul.See printer friendly schedule

Head over to Dominion Stage for a more intimate setting, giving you a front row experience as established and emerging artists from the genres of jazz, rock, blues and more entertain all day long. A song writer’s summit will also take place.See printer friendly schedule

The Family Stage is for the young and young at heart. Come join us for theatre, music and clowning around, all in good fun of course.
See printer friendly schedule

Right in the middle of Calgary’s very first cyclovia, when Riverfront Avenue becomes a bike path, allowing for the shared use of public space, will be RiverWalk Hotspot East on 3rd Street SE & Riverfront Avenue. Check out the Calgary Spoken World Festival Youth Poetry Slam at 2 pm. The winner of this challenge will get a chance to recite their poem on the stage at Prince’s Island Park, later on in the day. Learn the Sweet City Woman dance with Calgary 2012 – Calgary’s Cultural Capital of Canada initiative at 8pm.

The Youth Arts Stage is the perfect place to hang out by the river and take in spectacular youth talent. Due to a Spring snowstorm on May 5th during the National Youth Arts Week, the Grand Finale show had to be cancelled. The good news is the line up is now going to be able to perform at Canada Day!
Our partners at National Music Centre, Fort Calgary and the East Village Street Fair will all have great entertainment line ups as well.

Whether you’re a dancer, singer or poet, – the entertainment at Canada Dayyc will have something for you!

For any great party-food is a must! For Canada Dayyc -food will take centre stage at Olympic Plaza as we transform it into a food hub, featuring food trucks, local farmers and vendors, and Calgary’s finest restaurants. There is something for every taste bud!

Farmer’s Picnic
The Farmers Picnic is very similar to a Farmers Market but with ready-to-eat produce and product. People will be given the opportunity to purchase a picnic basket (or bring their own) and then participate in deli-style purchasing that will allow them to pick and choose from a wide array of fruits, vegetables, drinks, baked goods, meats, dairy products, salads, and desserts. After packing the perfect picnic, grab the perfect picnic spot at one of many sites in downtown Calgary featuring Canada Day programming.

Street Eats
Experience the food truck phenomenon; choose from a range of inexpensive and ethnically diverse food from some of the city’s favourite small restaurants and eateries. Also reopening in the Pergola at Olympic Plaza is Carne, by Teatro, featuring soft drinks, a variety of fresh rotisserie meat sandwiches, chilli and baked goods.

Local Dining Patio
Experience an old world square feeling in the middle of all the energy and excitement. Enjoy a fine-dining experience with some of the city’s finest local restaurants serving you under the open sky.

Grow, Plant Harvest
The north western part of Olympic Plaza will be transformed into an urban farm. Pick apples from an orchard, harvest and take home your own carrots, beets and potatoes, or plant a pea. People will be able to take part in a scratch and sniff herb garden, look at the different stages of lettuce growth in our timeline garden and meander through berry bushes. Come down and talk to local farmer April Mae and get your hands dirty.
Market Collective
Market Collective is a community space, created to showcase the works of local artists, artisans and musicians. The space exists to promote the local arts and culture of the city of Calgary and to engage and empower the community towards the positive growth of our city.

Market Collective Strives towards creating space where Calgarians can support local purchasing and be exposed to the talent and artistic drive that Calgary holds.
See Mayor Nenshi’s gumball portrait, try on the biggest sunglasses in Calgary (figuratively speaking), let the kids take part in an interactive mural project, or sit back and listen to the many musical melodies taking to the stage.
Check out the great food vendors that will be on site for CALGARY EATS!

A new, streamlined application process for "pop-up patios" means Calgarians will be seeing more unique street-level cafes throughout the city. With a proper permit, these temporary sidewalk cafes safely extend existing cafes onto city sidewalks or parking lots adjacent to a cafe.

"Businesses and their customers want more outdoor patios to enjoy the best of our weather while at a cafe," said Ward 7 Alderman Druh Farrell. "And temporary patios are an easy and cost effective way to increase vibrancy in our communities."

Previously, these types of outdoor cafes were not clearly defined and it was difficult to determine the appropriate permit and process required to set one up. The new system clearly describes the types of pop-up patios available and actions required to obtain a development permit or licence of occupation. The new system also includes support for the business owner as they move through the process.

"We knew it was possible to simplify the process and make this easier for our customers," said Mark Sasges, Chief Development Planner with Development & Building Approvals at The City of Calgary. "We're working hard to take this approach with many of our existing permit processes, and the positive response we're receiving from businesses lets us know we're on the right track."

Andy Fennell, owner of Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar in Inglewood, is preparing to open his pop-up patio next week.

"I was surprised that all we needed was a Licence of Occupation," said Fennell. "I thought this was going to be more complicated than that and wasn't even sure I would get approval in time for this year; now I hope to have my patio opened just in time for Stampede."

"Even small initiatives like this can make big differences for our local businesses, their customers, and our neighbourhoods," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "Much like what we did to help bring food trucks to Calgary, we brought together everyone who could help cut red tape and make this happen.”

Currently, there are five types of outdoor cafes including patios that can be on a sidewalk, curb lane, or public or private parking stalls.

This Canada Day, Calgarians will have an opportunity to quench their thirst with water fountains conceived and designed by artists – an excellent example of how the City is using public art to its full potential.

Designed by Utilities & Environmental Protection (UEP) artists-in-residence Sans Facon, the Fire Hydrant Water Fountain (FHWF) Project showcases the benefits of applying creative thinking and an artistic process to practical problems, and how doing so can raise public art beyond aesthetics to being an integral part of how we, as a City, address issues and opportunities.

Three distinct water fountain prototypes – respectively titled Strangers, Family and Group – will be installed and operational along Calgary’s busy RiverWalk promenade during the Canada Day celebrations. The artists will be on site to observe public interactions with the fountains, evaluate the success of the designs and identify any modifications that may be required.

Should all go well, this pilot phase will be followed by an open art competition inviting both local and international artists to design a collection of fountains that will be used by The City at festivals and events.

These fountains, with their workings exposed and three distinct characters, encourage us as citizens to gather publicly around the most basic of human needs, and to celebrate and raise our consciousness around our relationship to water. The fountains themselves are the vehicles or stage, with the ‘art’ being created through the process of having citizens interact and engage with them.

The FHWF project represents the first key pilot initiative to be realized through the WATERSHED+ Lead Artist Pilot Program. This new program presents a unique approach to public art and a distinct way of having artists work within The City, with the public and with community stakeholders.

Anyone who’s ever been to the Stampede parade knows how challenging it can be to get through the crowds, not to mention find a place to view the show.

In order to ensure that all Calgarians can have a safe and enjoyable Stampede parade, The City of Calgary has reserved a number of locations along the parade route to accommodate people with mobility challenges and their families and/or friends.
Accessible Viewing Zones are areas along the parade route that will be sectioned-off with barricades, and will have signs indicating they are reserved for people with mobility challenges.

Accessible Viewing Zones will be located on 6 Avenue and 9 Avenue, in the following eight areas:

Accessible Viewing Zones will be reserved for people with mobility challenges until 8 a.m. on parade day Friday, July 6. Space is limited, so get there early!

If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We want the Stampede parade to be a fun and memorable experience for all Calgarians and visitors,” said Leanne Squair, Issue Strategist for The City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility. “Providing accessible viewing areas during the parade will allow people with mobility challenges to have a designated place to sit and enjoy the parade with their friends and families.”

The City of Calgary urges citizens to please make room for people with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or canes, and to be respectful of fellow parade-goers and staff monitoring the Accessible Viewing Zones.

Check out our webpage to learn more about the Accessible Viewing Zones or to find out about Access Calgary pick-up and drop-off information.

**Please note** Accessible Viewing Zones are made to accommodate mobility devices and do not have seating. Please bring your own chair if you require seating.

These Calgary athletes are competing on a national stage, many with high potential to win medals on the International stage at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. The recent renovations at Foothills Athletic Park make Calgary the ideal place to host the 2012 Canadian Track & Field Trials and other world class track and field events.

Track Trials part 4 - Alister McQueen

Alister McQueen stands at the end of the javelin runway conferring with coach Glenn Smith. He’s having trouble with his left foot plant and the javellin isn’t flying well in this practice session. Smith offers a suggestion. McQueen nods.

He returns to his mark and starts his run-up again.

All along the fence enclosing Glenmore track a large cluster of elementary school students on their way home after classes pauses to watch.

“Go for it!” one of them suddenly yells.

McQueen checks in the middle of his run-up, looks around and grins briefly. Then he focuses again.This time his approach is solid and the left foot plant is near perfect. The metal spear soars into the afternoon sky to land, point down, a breath-taking distance away.

“Whoo!” the young watchers yell. “Awesome!” “Way to go!”

What they doesn’t realize, because on this overcast afternoon McQueen is wearing long pants, is that their new hero is a para athlete. He runs and throws off a prosthetic lower left leg.

He’s had it since he was nine months old. “I had a birth defect,” he explains, “and amputation was the best option for me to have a normal life and be able to do all the things I do.” Those things include hockey (starting when he was three), skiing, golf, volleyball, swimming, badminton and now track and field.

“I really don’t know what it’s like to have my leg, so it makes it easier for me in that way.” The downside is that most coaches aren’t para-athletics coaches “and so sometimes when they give me cues to do this or that, I don’t know how it feels to do it,” he explains.

But he finds ways to adapt. He has adapted so well in fact that in 2009, he represented Canada in the IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports) World Junior Athletics Championships in Switzerland. He won three gold medals and set three world records -- in the 100-, 200- and 400-metre sprints.

He has since droppped the 400 and now specializes in the 100, 200 and javelin. He hopes to compete in all three at the London Paralympic Games this August.

“I’m pretty optimistic,” he says, adding that his preparation is going well and he has met the A standard in all three events. (A and B standards are set by the International Paralympic Committee and must be met for an athlete to be eligible for the Games.)

However, just meeting the standards is not enough. As McQueen explains, “Each country only gets a certain number of spots based on world rankings and recent world championships results. I’m competing against all the other para athletes in Canada (not just para sprinters and javelin throwers) for those spots.”

Still, both he and Smith like his chances for London. Only 20 years old, McQueen is already a veteran on the international stage. He has been to the World Junior Championships twice, once in Switzerland and once in Newark, New Jersey.

And while Switzerland in particular “was really good,” he says, the highlight of his career was the Para PanAm championships last November in Guadalajara, Mexico. There, competing as a senior, he took bronze in both the 200 and the javelin and finished fifth in the 100.

His 100m time was a personal best - 11.89. “It was the first time I’d gone under 12.0,” he says. It was very satisfying, he says, but a little disappointing at the same time. “I’d wanted to be on the podium.”

His goal for London is to make the team,” he says, “and I’d love to make the finals and just get that experience under my belt.”

A medal in London might be a stretch, but the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, should be a different story. “I’ll be about 25 then,” he says. “I’m looking forward making the podium there and winning.”

In the meantime, though, it’s back to training, building strength, polishing technique and improving his performances. “Things are looking good,” he says. “Training is going well and I’ve been improving in practice.”

His young audience has moved on and McQueen picks up the javelin again. Another run-up, another plant and release. Once more the spear flies far down the field.

He and Smith watch it go. They’re pleased. The throw, it turns out, is a personal best for McQueen - by about two metres.

After nearly 100 years, the Centre Street Bridge has a new lighting system to highlight its iconic lion statues.

The recently completed renovations make lighting the bridge much more sustainable as a new Light Emitting Diode (LED) system has been installed. The LED system has improved the lighting of the four lion pavilions, the bridge archways and accentuates the architectural features of this heritage landmark, while also increasing energy efficiency on the structure.

“The design intent was to create a respectful acknowledgement of this important heritage site after dark”, said David Down, senior architect, Land Use Planning & Policy.

Enhancing the lighting of existing structures in the downtown area is a Centre City focus. The goal is to create a more vibrant, inviting environment for people to better experience all that Calgary has to offer. It was also a commitment made during the recent Chinatown Centennial celebrations.

“As a community we are honoured to see this important gateway into Chinatown being enhanced and celebrated” said Jake Louie, Chairman of the Board, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre.

Please visit calgary.ca for more information about the Centre Street Bridge Lighting Project.

These Calgary athletes are competing on a national stage, many with high potential to win medals on the International stage at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. The recent renovations at Foothills Athletic Park make Calgary the ideal place to host the 2012 Canadian Track & Field Trials and other world class track and field events.

Track Trials - part 3: Ammon Nelson

Ammon Nelson glides around the track, long legs carrying her effortlessly through a half dozen 200s. It’s an easy workout, a recovery day for the 400-metre specialist and she looks fresh and relaxed as she finishes.

Nelson is just back from two weeks training with Canada’s 4 x 400-metre women’s relay team. The goal is the Olympic Games in London in August.

To qualify the team will need to be ranked among the top 12 in the world, says Nelson’s coach, Brenda van Tighem. Canadian standards are tough, but the relay team is looking good.

In 2010 they took the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, and this year in April, the team finished sixth in the invitational U.S.A. Against the World race at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. “I think we’re going to have a really good team,” Nelson says.

Running fast is nothing new to Nelson. As a youngster she raced on the playground, played tag, hide ‘n seek and she was quick, she admits. She smiles. “Sometimes I was faster than the boys.”

But she was a late-comer to the sport of track. She was in Grade 10 before she tasted formal competition for the first time. As a high-schooler, she ran the 100, 200 and hurdles as well as the long jump.

It wasn’t until University that she was introduced to the 400. It was not love at first sight. “Nooo!!!,” she says, laughing. “It’s a sprint all the way and it’s a painful event, especially that last 100 meters.”

But her talent was obvious. As a university athlete, she dominated the indoor 300-metre race, winning it four straight years at the Canadian Interuniversity Championships. And last year, in the Canada West Championships she broke the 26-year-old conference record for the event.

In the process, she has gradually come to embrace the 400. “As I’ve grown into the 400 and learned the strategy that goes into it, I’m really starting to love it, ” she says.”

Nelson remembers watching the Olympics as a youngster and admiring the female sprinters in particular, but never imaged herself in that role.

“Even when I got involved in high school, I didn’t think I had the potential to be an Olympian. But as I developed people told my that I had talent and that I had the potential to compete at the international level.”

And they were right. Track has taken Nelson to the World Student Games in Serbia in 2009 and China in 2011 as well as the Commonwealth Games in India in 2010 and the World Track and Field Championships in Germany in 2011.

It has been exciting and “it’s definitely enjoyable to travel with the (track) team and see different places,” she says, “but it’s not quite what you would think.” Traveling as a track athlete is less about soaking up the local colour and much more about work. “The focus is all about training and competition,” she points out.

Becoming an elite athlete takes time, effort and support. “I’ve always had my family, my friends and my church,” says Nelson. “That support has really helped me to want to continue to train and compete.”

That kind of backing is key for anyone aiming for the top, she says, but equally important is choosing the right activity. She urges youngsters to take time to find out what it is they want to do.

“Everyone has abilities and skills to do something special. So try different things - sports, arts, music. Find out what you’re passionate about,” she says. And know that “whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish.”

These Calgary athletes are competing on a national stage, many with high potential to win medals on the International stage at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. The recent renovations at Foothills Athletic Park make Calgary the ideal place to host the 2012 Canadian Track & Field Trials and other world class track and field events.

She’s going to the Olympic stadium, too, because Mommy (Canada’s heptathlon champion and record holder, Jessica Zelinka) will be there for two days taking aim at another Canadian record.

But for Anika it’s all about London Bridge.

Zelinka laughs. “She’s excited about it, I’ve explained to her that she can see me running on the track, but I won’t be able to see her for two days. She says, “That’s okay Mommy. We’re going to London Bridge.”

For Zelinka, of course, London is about the heptathlon, but she is equally excited. “I took up track because I loved it,” she says. It keeps her interested and engaged and having fun. “And for London that’s my ultimate goal. I want to have the time of my life competing over those two days and it’s just going to be so enjoyable.”

If her experience in Beijing is an indicator, London should be just that. A first-time Olympian in the Beijing Olympics, Zelinka finished fifth against the world’s best with a score of 6490 points and a new Canadian record. She also racked up personal bests in four of the seven events.

But more than that, she says, “It was the way I competed that made it so magical. My coach (Les Gramantik) and I just trusted the program and trusted those two days that we had and just let it happen. It was a kind of freedom just to allow myself to do that. It wasn’t draining or stressful. It was almost like a gift.”

And everything seems to be falling into place again. Competing in the Mt. Sac Relays in late April, Zelinka scored personal bests in both the 100-metre hurdles and the 200-metre sprint.

“It’s going to be really competitive, you know? For Beijing, I thought 6500 would get me the podium. I scored 6490 and finished fifth. But I do know what I’m in control of and if I score 6700 and don’t get the podium, I’ll be pretty happy anyway.”

For Zelinka, it has always been less about the winning and more about continuing to improve. “That’s what I’ve always loved about track - the surprise factor of getting those personal bests. Thinking ‘Wow! I never knew I could do that.’”

Her love affair with track dates back to Grade 4 and her first track and field day. It was like Athletics Canada’s Run-Jump-Throw program in a way.

“We got to try all the events like ball throw, high jump, long jump, sprints, relays.
It was my funnest day ever. It was like, ‘Can we do this every day?’”

As a youngster she tried figure skating, ran cross-country and played volleyball, but by Grade 10, she began to concentrate on track and field. Her aunt, a track coach, told her, “You know what? This is something you could be good at.”

Zelinka began to dream of competing for Canada one day. She systematically worked on her events -- 100-metre hurdles, 200-metre dash, long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put and the 800-metre run.

“To be the best in heptathlon, you have to strive to be the best in everything,” she says.

To that end, in high school she deliberately competed in different events each year. “Each year you can only pick three events (for city and provincial competition),” she explains. “So for example, one year, though the 200 was my best event and I might have won it, I picked javelin because I just wanted to improve my events and be well-rounded.”

And she wanted to have fun.

For Zelinka that’s the key. Her advice for aspiring Olympians and other youngsters is clear: “If you’re having fun that’s all that matters. If you’re not having fun, figure out why and change it. Or do something else.”

Will Anika follow in Mommy’s footsteps? It’s too soon to tell yet, Zelinka says, but then adds with a grin, “She practices long jump in the living room sometimes.”

And the budding athlete is occasionally allowed to go to the track where she clearly has her eye on the future. As she explains to Mommy, “I’m going to run and you can videotape it and we can show it to Auntie Andrea.”

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Today, The City of Calgary released the 2012 Civic Census results for the period from April 2011 to April 2012. Calgary’s population has reached 1,120,225; this is an increase of 29,289 residents from April 2011 when the Civic Census showed the city’s population was 1,090,936. This represents a significant increase in Calgary’s population. At 2.68 per cent, this year’s percent of population growth is similar to the level seen in 2007 where population growth was 28,283 or 2.84 per cent.

“Current and accurate data is a critical part of making good, informed decisions about the future of Calgary,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The 2012 Civic Census includes important information for City Council and Administration.”

Specific results from the 2012 Civic CensusCommunity Growth
Panorama Hills continues to lead the way in growth at a community level with a population increase 2,396. Other communities that experienced growth of more than 1,000 residents include: Auburn Bay (1,424), Skyview Ranch (1,185) and Cranston (1,026).

Five communities grew by more than 50 per cent. These communities are:

CFB – Currie (616.67 per cent or an additional 148 residents)

Skyview Ranch (65.65per cent or an additional 1,185 residents)

Mahogany (60.66per cent or an additional 478 residents)

Walden (57.41per cent or an additional 341 residents)

Sage Hill (53.61per cent or an additional 764 residents)

Net Migration and Natural Increase
From April 2011 to April 2012, 19,658 more people moved to Calgary than moved away from Calgary. As with overall population growth, this level is similar to what was seen in 2007 when natural increase was 17,631. Natural increase (the result of births over deaths) continued to be a source of growth at 9,631, down slightly (227) from last year.

Housing
The number of housing units, both existing and under construction, increased by 8,387 to 459,339.

The number of vacant dwelling units in Calgary decreased by 3,564 to 12,616 in 2012. Vacant dwelling units are defined as units that are suitable and available for occupancy and does not include those units under construction or renovation. The overall vacancy rate in the city is 2.82 per cent, down 0.87 from 3.69 per cent in 2011.

There are now 434,474 occupied dwellings. Of this number, 301,005 or 69.28 per cent are owner-occupied. In 2011, the comparable percentage was 70.1 per cent.

The Civic Census Results Book and data tables in excel and PDF format will be available at calgary.ca/census

Join the fun at Fort Calgary on Canada Day! Enjoy a free pancake breakfast (9 - 11 AM), then hop over to the bouncing castles, pony rides, petting zoo and East Village antique car show! Groove to live music from the National Music Centre, while munching on fare from local food trucks for lunch. Admission to the family friendly outdoor activities is FREE, and indoor admission with be half price! A free shuttle will connect you with other great celebrations in the downtown area thanks to the City of Calgary.

It’ll be the best birthday party Canada has seen! See you at Fort Calgary on Canada Day!

Heritage Park Historical Village
Open 9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an exciting day packed with activity and a new theme this year – Celebrating Canadian culture from coast to coast. Try your luck by panning for gold, be dazzled by trick roping, marvel at a 3000lb Brahma Steer, build an igloo, indulge in Canadian cuisine, tap your foot to Les Bucheron, watch an official Citizenship Ceremony and so much more!

The first 2012 guests through the gates before 10:30am will be treated to Heritage Park’s famous pancake breakfast served hot off the grill!

Deane House
Open for brunch on Canada Day, Sunday, July 1, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

On an average day, Calgary’s 9-1-1 Centre, Public Safety Communications (PSC) handles more than 2,500 calls from the public in need of assistance. For Emergency Communications Officer Karen McKechnie, Monday, June 18, 2012 turned out to be anything but average.

Around 12:56 a.m., Karen received a call from Kevin Neish saying his wife was in full labour and they would not have time to make it to the hospital. She immediately dispatched an ambulance, and also quickly turned to her Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system for instructions on precautions of an at-home delivery.

Karen calmly walked the father-to-be through preparations for the baby’s arrival, ensuring there were clean towels and a shoelace on hand for the baby’s umbilical cord. The baby beat the ambulance to the family’s side, arriving only six minutes after the 911 call was made.

Thanks to her calm advice, the family was able to bring Olivia Lawryn Stuart-Neish into the world. She weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and was 19.75 inches long.

“I’m just delighted that I was able to help this family in the healthy delivery of their baby daughter,” Karen says. “I feel honoured to be part of such a joyful and memorable moment in their lives.”

Both mom and baby were determined to be healthy.

“It was very traumatic and we were so thankful to have someone on the phone who took charge and made us feel like we weren’t alone,” Neish says.

These Calgary athletes are competing on a national stage, many with high potential to win medals on the International stage at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. The recent renovations at Foothills Athletic Park make Calgary the ideal place to host the 2012 Canadian Track & Field Trials and other world class track and field events.

Track Trials - part 1: Sam Effah

The runner powers down the straight. In the midday quiet of the Olympic Oval the staccato drumming of his feet is a blur of sound. It’s mid April and he looks good. Very good.

Sam Effah is fine-tuning his technique for the 2012 Olympics and the 23-year-old 100- and 200-metre specialist is right on track.

“He’s really linear,” says coach Brenda van Tighem with satisfaction.

There’s no wasted motion as Effah flies down the track. Every stride carries him directly towards the finish line and, he hopes, eventually into the 100 metre final in London, England, this August.

But first there are the Olympic Trials in Calgary. To guarantee a place on the Olympic team, he'll need to finish in the top three in his race and make the qualifying standard of 10.13.

In 2010, Effah posted a blazing 10.06 and earned the title of the fastest man in Canada that year. Last year an injury interrupted his training, but this year he’s healthy and ready to go. “I definitely feel like I’m back to where I was before the injury,” he says.

But he’s taking nothing for granted. “I’m taking it step by step.” First, he’s focused on securing his place on the Canadian team, he says. Then his goal is reach the 100 metre final in London, “and once I’m in the final, go for a medal.”

As a kid Effah realized he was fast. “I always knew I was randomly quick,” he says. “You know, running around at recess, nobody could catch me sort of thing.” But the Olympics weren’t on his mind then.

Like most kids he had dreams. His first was to play football, something he did in high school and had planned to do in university. But that didn’t work out. “I’m not the biggest guy,” he admits with a smile. His second dream was basketball, but that didn’t come to pass either. He grins. “I was not coordinated with ball.”

Track wasn’t exactly an afterthought -- he had that quickness after all -- but training for track was.

Before his first City championships in Grade 10 he’d had exactly two practices. And he won. In Grade 11 it was the same story. In Grade 12 he skipped the Provincial Championships meet because it conflicted with his high school graduation.

Track was not a priority. Training was an afterthought.

However, later that summer, van Tighem persuaded him to go to the Junior National Track and Field Championships. He finished fifth.

“I thought, if I can go to Junior Nationals and come fifth without even training, then with training maybe I could do something.”

And he has. He has traveled, seen more of the world than he had ever imagined he would - China, Korea, India - and he has excelled in his chosen sport. He was four times Canadian Interuniversity track athlete of the year and holds the CIS 60-metre record at 6.57. Only three Canadians have ever run the 100 metres faster than his 10.06.

Training is now something Effah loves. “It’s changed from something I didn’t look forward to to something I really want to do,” he says. “I know that with each stride, I’m getting faster.”

Bad luck in the 100-metre final in the 2010 Commonwealth Games reinforced that determination. “I didn’t have the race I wanted and I acquired an injury. But I think everything happens for a reason,” he says.

“It made me realize that there is always more work to be done. I’m now working harder to make sure that the next time my blocks don’t slip. Next time I have the opportunity to win.”

He tries to pass that understanding on to the youngsters he has worked with in the Dino Youth track program, but even more, he encourages them to try a lot of different things.

“You never know what you’re going to be good at, so try everything and see what happens.”

When you find your passion, then focus, he says. To become one of the best in the world requires commitment. “It is a sacrifice, but if you like what you’re doing and you’re having fun, then it’s awesome.”

For Sam Effah, third choice was the charm. Track is his passion. “I want to run until my legs won’t let me run any more,” he says.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Devonian Gardens was officially re-opened today, marking a significant redevelopment of one of Calgary’s most treasured parks, and the city’s only indoor public park.

Originally completed in 1977, Devonian Gardens had not had any significant upgrades until the park was closed in 2008 to accommodate the redevelopment of The CORE shopping centre. With a $37 million capital fund commitment from City Council, Parks was able to arrange a much needed renovation to the Gardens that coincided with the mall renovation.

“The former Devonian Gardens were beloved by Calgarians,” says Anne Charlton, Director of Parks. “But they were tired, and most of the materials in the garden were aging and pushing toward the end of their lifecycle. With the funding commitment from Council, we were able to create a new, fresh, timeless look.”

New plants, including exotic varieties from Hawaii and Florida, have been lovingly planted throughout the 2.5 acre space, and provide a tropical oasis for visitors. A new skylight, part of The CORE redevelopment, extends into the Gardens and provides improved lighting. Visitors will notice a more open space, complete with three ponds, filled with some of the original Koi fish, which were housed off-site during the renovation.

The new Gardens will accommodate activities such as events, education programs, and offers new park amenities including a restaurant, which will be announced later in the summer.

“I’m delighted to see that this gem in our city has been restored, as it is something very special for all Calgarians to enjoy,” said Mayor Nenshi. “Parks make cities vibrant, liveable and memorable. The redevelopment of Devonian Gardens has restored our city’s only indoor public park into an international destination once again.”

Located on the fourth floor of The CORE shopping centre, Devonian Gardens will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Details for bookings in the Garden are still being finalized. More information on the Gardens can be found at calgary.ca/parks/devonian.

If you'd like to purchase or donate a previously loved new set of "Wheels," be it a skateboard, rollerblades or bicycle, your chance is now at the Community Wheels Exchange.

Those donating their “wheels” will receive a $10 voucher (per item) that can be used at the Community Wheels Exchange. All donated “wheels” will be sold at a cost of $10 - CASH ONLY. All proceeds and remaining donations will go to Two Wheel View. Please note that only those “wheels” in good working condition will be accepted.

This Sunday, July 1st, The City’s REC 100 team will be in Eau Claire for the Canada Day festivities, and will kick off cycling month in July.

The City of Calgary Recreation is celebrating 100 years of community contribution in 2012, with twelve monthly themes and a year of planned activities throughout 2012.

If you like to cycle, and want to take part in the Canada Day festivities downtown, we encourage you to bike to Canada Dayyyc from our Park & Pedal lots at Max Bell Arena and the Pumphouse Theatre. The Park & Pedal lots will provide information about Calgary’s favourite two wheeled pastime, connect you to the cycling community in Calgary, and help make the trip into the downtown core a breeze. The Bike Shop will be on hand at both Park & Pedal lots to give your bikes a tune up.

Calgary is home to the most extensive pathway system in North America with over 700 km’s of pathways connecting communities all over the city. Cycling the pathway is a unique recreational opportunity that the whole family can enjoy. July is a perfect month to get out, and see where the pathway takes you. The pathway system connects many communities to Recreations arenas, pools, athletics parks and the Glenmore Reservoir.

Participate, share and be inspired. There’s more than you think at Calgary.ca/rec100 in 2012.

Onward/ We are committed to our vision of an active, creative and vibrant city. I imagineCALGARY: 90 percent of Calgarians agree that there is a strong sense of community in Calgary, and at least 80 per cent of Calgarians report high levels of satisfaction, sense of belonging , attachment and civic pride.

We're hoping to learn if your priorities have changed in the last six months, what (if anything) has shifted, and how Calgarians want to continue the conversation with The City on business planning and budgeting Adjustments.

Adjustments are an important aspect of multi-year business planning and budgeting and are designed to manage business plans and budget changes in a comprehensive, transparent and integrated manner while maintaining the direction and priorities established in the approved plans and budgets.

Based on an analysis of recent economic and financial projections for 2013 and 2014, no significant changes in revenue, service costs, or service demands are emerging. The forecasts used to develop the approved 2012-2014 business plans and budgets are holding true, so Administration does not foresee substantive adjustments to react to changes. However, it is anticipated that a limited number of changes may be needed.

As part of Adjustments, The City also wants to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to ask questions and has created an interactive microsite, www.calgary.ca/ourfuture. This site outlines what the Adjustments process is and is full of relevant information and links to more detailed documents on calagry.ca

The information gathered during this engagement will be shared with Administration as they are creating their proposed Adjustments to the 2012 – 2014 business plans and budgets. The City will also share the results gathered during the engagement on this site in mid-July.

Once the proposed adjustments documents are complete The City will present Administration’s proposed adjustments on this site in November and will continue the conversation with you throughout this entire process.

Share with The City what you are thinking! It is only by understanding Calgarians’ priorities that The City can ensure the services it provides are the services citizens value and need.

The City of Calgary’s new wayfinding program, an integrated signage system, helps people easily locate City Centre points of interest and enhances people's confidence to venture out and explore more of the city.

“It’s really exciting to launch this first phase of the wayfinding program for our City Centre as it will provide Calgarians and our visitors with new tools that will help them experience the best of our city,” says Rollin Stanley, General Manager of Planning Development and Assessment. “The wayfinding signage informs people with a common look, language and logic that highlights the many different attractions and points of interest in our City Centre, and will benefit anyone who lives, works or plays in this dynamic area of Calgary."

The wayfinding program includes a family of signs, maps and information panels that address the needs of pedestrians and transit users. This summer, more than 135 wayfinding signs will be installed throughout the City Centre that tell people where they are and what's around them.

Many of the new signs are being installed at the start of the summer visitor season to support the increased number of tourists for the Stampede Centennial, 2012 Cultural Capital festivities and the many other summer events and festivals. Initially, wayfinding signage will be installed in key areas around City Hall, Stephen Avenue Walk, Stampede Park and 7th Avenue CTrain stations to show what is easy to get to by foot or transit. Additional signs will be installed throughout the City Centre, from 17th Avenue north to the Bow River, this summer and into the fall.

The wayfinding program is primarily being funded through the Downtown Improvement and Beltline Community Investment Funds. These funds are generated through downtown licensing fees and developer bonusing contributions and are intended to be used for public realm improvements projects such as this program.

To support the longer-term sustainability of the wayfinding program, the Calgary Hotel Association has entered into a $75,000 sponsorship agreement distributed over 5 years with The City of Calgary to help pay for the maintenance and future content upgrades on the signage. The signage will also direct visitors to the mobile-friendly www.visitcalgary.com website, where they can discover more information about the different attractions and points of interest in the City Centre.

“The Calgary Hotel Association is very excited to partner with The City of Calgary on this project,” says Leanne Shaw-Brotherston, Chairman of the Board, Calgary Hotel Association. “It will provide great benefit to Calgarians and visitors so they can truly enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

About Calgary’s Centre City:
Calgary’s City Centre is an important area. Home to over 6,000 businesses, 34,000 Calgarians, over 55 attractions and points and interest, and hundreds of events and festivals - it’s the economic, cultural and social hub of our city.

In 2007, Calgary’s City Council approved The Centre City Plan, a comprehensive and strategic long-term vision for the future of our Centre City. Since then, The City and its many partners have made a significant investment to implement the Plan and achieve its vision of a livable, thriving and caring core.
Calgary’s City Centre includes the Beltline, Chinatown, Downtown, East Village, Eau Claire, Stampede Park and Downtown West.

During the survey period, Calgarians who have been selected through random sampling, will receive telephone calls from Illumina Research Partners asking a variety of questions about satisfaction with the Calgary Police Service and perceptions of crime and safety in Calgary.

“The Calgary Police Commission 2011 Citizen Survey results showed very strong support for our Police Service, however, as part of our oversight role, we need to ensure that the Calgary Police Service continues to meet the needs of Calgarians," said Mike Shaikh , the Commission Chair.

As part of its oversight role to provide efficient and effective policing, the Calgary Police Commission took over the Citizen Survey process from the Calgary Police Service in 2008. This enables the Calgary Police Commission to better communicate with residents of Calgary and respond to policing concerns they may have.

The Calgary Police Commission provides civilian oversight to the Calgary Police Service. Under the Police Act the Calgary Police Commission establishes policies to provide for efficient and effective policing; in consultation with the chief of police, allocates funds provided by City Council; and monitors the complaint process.

The Citizen survey process begins June 26, 2012 until August 20, 2012.

The City of Calgary is advising that Alberta Environment’s River Forecast Centre is predicting an increased flow in the Bow and Elbow Rivers that could raise the groundwater table, and possibly cause basement seepage in low-lying areas in the following communities:

Install the cap in the basement sewer floor drain. If the cap cannot be found, stuff rags down the floor drain tightly enough to help prevent sewage from backing into the basement. Then secure the rags by placing a heavy object on top. Plug basement toilets, shower drains, sinks, and sewer standpipe openings in the same way. (The standpipe may be located by following the discharge hose from a clothes washer or a water softener)

Move valuables such as paintings, photographs and personal and legal documents from the basement or a lower floor to an upper floor.

Remove newspapers from basements because wet newspaper can stain carpets with ink.

Do not sleep in the basement until the river level recedes.

Residents who have basement sumps should check them for water periodically and make sure they are working.

Businesses within the affected areas should consider moving business records and dangerous goods from basements or lower floors to upper floors. These businesses should also secure any waste stored at ground level.

The Calgary Police Service would like to remind the public of the current advisory against boating activities or placing any type of watercraft on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Anticipated rainfall may contribute to the already rapid flow and debris in the water, which will be hazardous to anyone on the river. All river users should use extreme caution as conditions on the rivers can change quickly.

Any vessel using the rivers must, at the very least, have lifejackets or personal floatation devices (PFDs) that are worn by all passengers, as well as a sounding device, such as a whistle, a buoyant heaving line (throwbag) no less than 15 metres long and a bailer.

Being intoxicated while on the water is never tolerated, nor is the transport or consumption of alcohol.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Billy is a 6 year old neutered male Beagle mix. After patiently waiting for 6 weeks at the Animal Services Centre, he recently found his forever home. A sweet and affectionate guy, Billy is looking forward to lots of love and cuddles from his new family. Plus, he now gets to go on daily walks and explore the park near his new home.

Billy has found his happily ever after, but there are many cats and dogs at the Animal Services Centre still in need of quality homes. If you want to provide a loving home to an animal in need, call 3-1-1 to book an appointment to view an adoptable dog or drop by the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street S.E.) to meet one of our adoptable cats.

The Calgary Foundation invites you to take the pulse of our ever-changing city by participating in Calgary's Vital Signs Survey; voice your opinion on 15 quality of life areas, including Environmental Sustainability and Citizen Engagement.

Nine firefighters from the Calgary Fire Department were recognized for their distinguished service, among 32 heroes from across Southern Alberta.

“I’m proud to help honour members of Alberta’s fire services who are willing to put themselves at risk to help others,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The dedication and commitment shown by our fire services exemplifies public service and Albertans are very fortunate that so many individuals unselfishly put their own safety at risk to respond when we need them.”

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, The Honourable Donald S. Ethell presented the awards. In attendance along with distinguished firefighters were fire service leaders from fire agencies and government leaders.

“I am proud of all of the recipients for their hard work, dedication and service to Albertans,” says Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “These recipients have made incredible sacrifices throughout their careers for the safety of others, and I commend them for their efforts.”

The awards were established in 1985 by Her Majesty The Queen, and the Medal is gold with red ribbon embossed with a Maltese Cross, crossed axes, and a fire hydrant against a maple leaf background. It is awarded for 20, 30 and 40 years of exemplary service and worn on special occasions and parade days by firefighters.

The City’s most recent traffic count shows more than 6,000 Calgarians using the Peace Bridge each day. Previously, The City had estimated that the Peace Bridge would see 5,000 users daily. The data is based on a set of traffic counts The City conducts around May each year to determine amount of traffic accessing the downtown core.

“We are very pleased to see more people are using the Peace Bridge than what we had expected,” says Don Mulligan, Director of Transportation Planning.

Calgary's downtown is home to over 30,000 residents along with 120,000 employees. This area continues to grow as 40,000 new residents and over 60,000 additional employees are expected in the downtown area by 2035. The Peace Bridge was built to accommodate the increasing number of people commuting to and from work and those who simply want to enjoy Calgary's pathways.

With more people choosing to live and work in the core and surrounding areas, there will be more people travelling by foot, bicycle, or in-line skates in and out of the city centre.

“It just goes to show that more and more Calgarians are choosing walking or cycling to travel to and from downtown,” says Don. “It’s important for The City to continue to provide the type of infrastructure that enables citizens to choose different ways to travel to and from their destination.”

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Harry Sanders was inducted today as the new Historian Laureate for The City of Calgary.

Calgary’s Poet Laureate Kris Demeanor welcomed "Harry the Historian", as featured on CBC Radio, into his new role as Historian Laureate. Harry was also an interpretive guide, archivist, regular contributor to the “Looking Back” column in Calgary Sun, and is the author of six local history books.

“The Calgary Heritage Authority congratulates Harry Sanders on his appointment as Calgary's first Historian Laureate,” said Scott Jolliffe, Chair of the CHA. “Harry is a renowned local historian and published author. He is ideally suited to advocate for historic preservation and engage the public in heritage issues during Calgary's 2012 celebration year. We look forward to seeing Harry at events and celebrations throughout the coming year.”

The 2012 Historian Laureate is a role created to help celebrate the centennial of many Calgary institutions and Calgary’s designation as the 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada. In his position, Sanders will serve as Calgary’s public historian and will be an ambassador for the Calgary Heritage Authority, inviting Calgarians to celebrate their own history through storytelling, presentations and other social media.

About the Calgary Heritage Authority The Calgary Heritage Authority (CHA), established in 2000, is a merger of the previously existing Heritage Advisory Board and the Calgary Municipal Heritage Properties Authority. The CHA is governed by the Province of Alberta CHA Act.

Grab your family, friends, and co-workers and join us in front of the Enmax stage at Prince’s Island Park at 10:15 am on Canada Day as we attempt to create a living flag. Participants will be provided with a red or white Canada Dayyc t-shirt and asked to take their place among the hundreds of other Calgarians while we test your knowledge of Canadian trivia. Once everyone is in place, we will kick off the Canada Dayyc celebrations with the singing of O Canada.

The cities of Victoria and Winnipeg have made this an annual event, and we are sure Calgarians will join them as we celebrate the nation’s birthday.

If you have a group of people who are interested in doing this, email us at canadaday@calgary.ca and we will make sure we have your t-shirts set aside and ready to go when you get there on Canada Day!

Onward/ We are committed to our vision of an active, creative and vibrant city. I imagineCALGARY: 90 percent of Calgarians agree that there is a strong sense of community in Calgary, and at least 80 per cent of Calgarians report high levels of satisfaction, sense of belonging , attachment and civic pride.

The Noise Snare is ready to hit the streets to identify the city’s loudest vehicles.

The mobile device will be deployed in an unmarked vehicle and positioned in communities based on complaints starting the afternoon of Wednesday, June 20th.

“We’re pleased to have this tool to educate Calgarians and enforce the excessive noise vehicle provision of the Calgary Traffic Bylaw,” said Bill Bruce, Director of Animal & Bylaw Services. “The limit is 96 decibels and there is no reason a well-maintained, street legal vehicle should register that loud or higher.”

Council approved the addition of the excessive noise provision to Calgary’s Traffic Bylaw last year which means the owner of any vehicle emitting noise that measures over 96 decibels will be subject to a $200 fine once the one month warning period expires. This fine is consistent with other noise violations.

Over the course of two open houses in May, 469 motorists tested their vehicles against the Noise Snare with 219, or 47 per cent, registering 96 decibels or more on their first pass by the device. The loudest vehicle tested was a motorcycle that measured 122 decibels, loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss if sustained for a minute or longer.

Alderman John Mar who represents Ward 8 spearheaded the addition of the excessive vehicle noise provision to the Traffic Bylaw. “The Noise Snare gives us another tool for authorities to utilise in enforcing our existing Bylaw and provides definitive proof of violations,” said Alderman Mar. “And the fact it can be easily transported to areas of complaint is a huge benefit. I’m very excited about this.”

For the first month of deployment, warning notices will be issued by Bylaw officers. After the warning period has ended, violation tickets will be personally served to the registered owner of the offending vehicle.
Violators will not be pulled over at the time of the offence.